Report and Pics: Kalakruti
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 25:  The much awaited Christmas festival is here once again. Catholic brethren flocked in different churches across the state to attend the midnight Christmas mass followed by Christmas celebration.

The recent Mumbai terror attack dominated the Christmas masses with the priests giving a message of peace and harmony in all the major Churches of Goa.  Thousands of people attended the midnight Christmas mass irrespective of religion, caste and creed.

The prime Mary Immaculate church in Panaji had the same message of peace and harmony to the people of Goa. Most of the households in Goa decorated beautiful cribs in front of their houses on the occasion of Christmas. Various Christmas tree parties were organised by most of the parishioners and clubs across the state.

Our Special Correspondent Writes:

Panaji, Dec 25: Amidst tight security, Goa ushered into Christmas celebrations with mid night masses held in all the Churches and Chapels across the state.

The security was all time high across the state with devotees being screened through metal detectors installed at major Churches.

The midnight masses, which celebrates birth of Lord Jesus Christ, had huge presence of devotees who visited churches.

The local police and para military forces were deployed at sensitive places and crowded spots.

"The celebrations went peacefully," superintendent of police (CID) Atmaram Deshpande said.

Goa is on high alert to avert any possible terror attack. The security is beefed up at all the places. Union Minister of state for home Sriprakash Jaiswal hours before the Christmas celebrations had reviewed the security in the state in presence of Chief Minister Digamber Kamat.

Goa has around 30 per cent of its population from Catholic faith.

The main mass was celebrated at Basilica of Bom Jesus church at Old Goa, 10 kms away from here which houses the relics of St Fransic Xavier.

The 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and rampage of Churches in Orissa and Karnatka had its mention in the main mass which was given by Archbishop Rev Fr Philipe Neri Ferrao.

"We pray for all those who suffered blow in Mumbai terror attack last month…. So many people died in the attack, which has left many households shattered," the Archbishop said.

Referring to the incidents in Orissa and Karnataka, the Archbishop Catholic brethrens had to face the trouble. "The troubles are not yet over as many are still staying in tents as their shelters were destroyed. On the occasion of Christmas we show our concern to these brethrens and support them," he said.

The Archbishop appealed masses to give away hatred and live in peace and harmony.

• Christmas Celebration Across the World - Click Here